LIBRARY OF CONGRESS J 



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Health-Hints to Women 



TREATING OF 



Food, Exercise, Dress, Care of 
Children, etc., etc 

/ 

BY Mme. WILHELMINE SCHOTT 



Be timely wise 
With health all taste of pleasure flies 

Gay 



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NEW YORK 
E. P. DUTTON & COMPA>42/ 

713 BROADWAY 
1875 



KG i 2.1 

53 



i whjselmine ~:hott. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



INDEX. 







PAGE. 


Asthma, .... 24 


Bathing, . 






I7> 33> 34, 37 


" of Infants, - 






• 38 


Bandage, . 






• 36 


Beef, 






11 


Breathing, 






52 


Care of Children, 






• 38 


Chills, 






54 


Coffee, 






12 


Cold Feet, 






23 


Colic, 






43 


Consumption of Bowels, . 






29 


Contraction of Rectum, . 






26 


Convulsions, 






42 


Corsets, ... 






20, 33, S3 


Croup, . . 






47 


Diarrhea, . 






• 42, 43 


Diphtheria, 






. 48 


Dress, 






18 


of Children, 






53 


" too much Clothing 






18, 33, 45 


Dyspepsia, 






23 


Exercise, 






15,32,51 


" for Infants, 






• . • 45 


Fever, 






54 


Flannels, . 






18 


Food, 






10 


" for Invalids, 






• 13, 35 


" for Children, 






. 46, 5° 


" Artificial, . 






41 


From Six to Sixteen, 






49 


Fruit, 






11 


Garters, 






19 



iv IXDEX. 


PAGE. 


Girls Approaching Womanhood, . . . u 


Hair, 






i 9 

1.8 


Heels, 






Infants, 






Leucorrhea, 






28 


Manipulation, 






^9 


Maternity, 
Menstruation, Painful, 






30 

57 
^0 


Milk for Children, 






" of Nurse, . 






41 


" Boiled, 






43 
39 


Navel, Care of the, 






Nervous Irritation. 






56 


Neuralgia, 






26 


Nursing, . 






34 


" to Cease, 






35 


Oatmeal. . 






• i3> 46 


Palpitation of Heart, etc., 






24 


Piles, .... 






26 


Physic after Confinement, 






34 


" for Infants, 






40 


" for Children, 






46 


Postures. 






5 2 


Pregnancy. 






30 


Sago. .... 






14 


Sleeplessness 






23 


Sore Throat, 






29 


Sweets, .... 






12 


Tea, 






12 


Teething, .... 






42 


Torpid Liver, 






25 


Trotting Infants on Knee, 






44 


Vegetables, 






11 


Walking, . 






15. 37 


Worms. .... 






47 



PREFACE. 



Madame Wilhelmine Schott, the author 
of the following " Hints," was born in Den- 
mark, in 1830. Her uncle, Emile Fresch, 
was Physician to King Christian the Eighth. 
She early manifested a strong love of medical 
science, and, when sixteen years of age, stud- 
ied anatomy under her uncle, in the dissecting 
room of the Langaard Institute, at Copen- 
hagen. Here also, she was instructed in the 
science of manipulation, at a later period. 
In both cases, she studied con amore, she had 
no purpose of turning her knowledge to future 
account. Circumstances, however, finally led 



vi PREFACE. 

her to commence practice on the system of 
the Danish Cure, in which she has been 
eminently successful. She now desires to 
introduce this system into this country, and 
particularly to commend it to the considera- 
tion of American women; for whom, on 
account of their sedentary habits, and the 
extreme prevalence of nervous diseases among 
them, it appears to be specially fitted. 

In the course of her practice, it has been her 
habit to give her patients, from time to time, 
such hints and suggestions, with regard to the 
proper management of themselves and their 
children, as the occasion called for. These 
they have deemed of so much value as to 
wish to possess them in a convenient form for 
future use and reference. It is at their re- 
quest, therefore, that this little book has been 



PREFACE. vii 

prepared for publication ; and at their hands, 
it is sure to find a welcome. 

Elsewhere, it has its welcome to win. 
Though it may not contain a great deal that is 
new and original, it contains much that women 
are too apt to neglect, or to ignore, says it in 
few plain words, and groups it together under 
appropriate heads. It gives the " line upon 
line " necessary to impress hygienic truths 
upon the memory; it furnishes the ounce of 
prevention which is worth the pound of cure ; 
and it is a wise counsellor in the sick-room and 
the nursery. It is not designed to supplant 
the family physician, but to go before and 
after him, building up that strong, sound con- 
stitution which most readily throws off disease, 
and attending to the smaller matters of 
diet, exercise, etc., for which he has no time. 



viii PREFACE. 

i 

Finally, in manipulation, it provides exercise 

for the feeble, and help for contortions, weak- 
nesses, and deformities, that medicine cannot 
reach. 

On these grounds, it is confidently com- 
mended to the favor of the public. 

The Editor. 

New York, January, 1875. 



PART I. 

CAUSE, EFFECT, CURE. 



I. 

FOOD. 

Pain is a symptom, not a disease. Rightly 
understood, it is a friend : it comes to tell us, 
in tones neither to be mistaken nor ignored, 
that we have violated the laws of health, and 
must suffer the consequences. It bids us ex- 
amine ourselves, in respect to food, exercise, 
clothing, work, and play, and see wherein we 
have offended, and need to repent and amend. 
And its monitions should be taken to heart, 
not stifled by narcotics, nor postponed to a 
more convenient season by temporary, shuffling 
expedients. True wisdom sets itself at once 



io HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

to discover the deep cause of the trouble, and 
applies the effectual cure, no matter at what 
cost of time, labor, and self-denial. 

And first, as to Food. On this head the 
offence is almost universal. Too much is 
eaten, or too little, or it is eaten too hurriedly, 
or at the wrong times, or of the wrong kinds. 
Yet it is impossible to mark out any single 
regimen that will suit all classes, ages, occupa- 
tions, habits, and conditions of health. The 
one thing necessary for a woman to under- 
stand, is that certain kinds of food furnish 
certain elements to her body, indispensable to 
its growth and health, — some in a greater, 
some in a lesser degree, — and should not 
therefore be accepted or rejected ignorantly, 
indifferently, or capriciously ; but carefully se- 
lected with a view to their power of repairing 
bodily waste, and accelerating or retarding 
the bodily functions. Afterward, she must 
study and experiment for herself, to ascertain 



FOOD. ii 

what kinds and proportions of farinaceous, 
vegetable, and animal food are best suited to 
her peculiar constitution and circumstances. 
No doubt she will make some mistakes, but 
she will do much better than if she eats 
blindly whatever comes to hand, without other 
aim than present gratification. 

Yet care should be taken not to err on the 
side of abstemiousness. Nearly all varieties 
of food are useful in their proper place and 
proportion. 

Beef is the best animal food, and should be 
most frequently and freely used. It is easily 
digested, and furnishes the body with both 
warmth and strength. Mutton is next to it in 
value. 

Fruit should form a part of every meal. 
Much of it being gently aperient, it tends to 
rid the system of impurities, and does away 
with the necessity of medicine. 



12 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

A? a general rule, eat more meat and less 
vegetables in winter, and vice versa in sum- 
nter. 

Sweets and fatty substances are alw; 
more in order in winter than in summer ; their 
thief re : trara ea d atita ttehai; that they yield a 
large amount of carbon, and consequently of 
he:.:. :: the : : ay. 

Regularity in rating is a cardinal point. 
Have a fixed hour for meals, and deviate from 
it as little as possible. 

G::d. attad --Iterated tea aad itftee. raker. 
in moderation, do no harm to adults in health, 
and are often valuable by way of needed 
stimulant. Pure coffee quickens the circula- 
tion much like an electric battery. It also * 
acts upon the liver in such a manner as to aid 
the d -75::::: I at ~hea 

nervous, a: fee tften ; e:~ tlae hi: : d in:: rath 
rapid circulation as to cause tremulousness of 



FOOD. 



13 



the nerves, followed by depression of spirits. 
It should then be avoided, and milk may be 
advantageously substituted. 

Bad tea, or very strong tea, sometimes irri- 
tates the nervous system to such a degree as 
to cause sleeplessness, even though its first 
effect may have been a soothing one. The 
soothing results from a partial paralysis of the 
nerves ; the irritation is the inevitable reaction. 
The tea should be replaced by a purer article, 
taken weaker, or discontinued, as is found 
most beneficial. 



For invalids, I strongly recommend a steady 
diet of oatmeal and milk; that is, eat it three 
times a day, and continue it until the stomach 
imperatively craves a change. Oatmeal con- 
tains a large proportion of iron and phosphorus, 
and is therefore very valuable for repairing 
waste, and manufacturing healthy blood and 
muscle. A course of it is pretty certain to 



14 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

restore tone to the stomach, and regularity to 
the digestion. 

A very palatable and strengthening dish for 
invalids, is chicken broth with a poached egg 
dropped in it. Be careful to skim all the 
grease off the broth, before adding the egg. 

When the stomach is out of order, a cup of 
boiled sago, with cinnamon, sugar, and claret 
wine added, will often be found both palatable 
and beneficial. 



II. 

EXERCISE. 

Next in importance to food is exercise. 
Without it there can be no vigorous health. 
It is best when taken in the open air. Every 
lady should walk at least two hours daily, one 
hour in the morning, and one just before sun- 
set. The good results accruing from the 
regular performance of this duty, will more 
than compensate for any inconvenience which 
may sometimes attend it. It will beautify as 
well as strengthen ; it will give light to the 
eye, rose to the cheek, elasticity to the move- 
ments. 

If you are an invalid and walking fatigues 
you, do not therefore give it up without a 
struggle. Try walking very short distances, 
with rests between, and you will probably find 



1 6 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

that the distances can be increased, and the 
walk prolonged, day by day, until a long 
walk becomes both a pleasure and a benefit. 

Work about house is never so good as walk- 
ing, because it is not done in the open air. 
Still, where the household duties involve much 
standing upon the feet, carriage-riding may be 
preferable. But if the indoor occupations be 
sedentary, walk — -walk ! It is the only way to 
keep yourself in good health. 

Dancing, games, and gentle gymnastic exer- 
cises may also be found useful, where they 
can be had ; but walking is the one generally 
available and indispensable exercise. If wo- 
men walked more, they would suffer less. 



III. 

BATHING. 

No woman in health should fail to take a 
cold bath daily, using sufficient friction there- 
after to bring on a healthful glow. There is 
no better safeguard against colds. 

For invalids, and in all cases where the 
vital powers are not sufficient to produce the 
healthful glow speedily, a tepid or warm bath 
should be preferred. 

The bath, in either case, may be sponge, 
plunge, or shower, according to convenience 
or liking. The special objects are to set the 
blood into more active and equal circulation, 
and to promote the insensible perspiration by 
opening the pores of the skin ; and any bath 
which secures these objects is admissible. 

Salt added to the bath makes it more 
strengthening. 



IV. 

DRESS. 

The clothing should be warm without being 
burdensome. Divide the weight about equally 
between hips and shoulders. 

Wear flannels in winter ; being bad conduc- 
tors, they keep the animal heat from passing 
off; it is a mistake to think that they impart 
it ; that must be done by food and exercise, as 
before hinted. 

Other things being equal, dress more warmly 
for the evening than for the morning, because 
the vital powers are lower at night. 

Do not commit the mistake of bundling up 
too much; trust rather to quicker, deeper 
breathing, and more rapid movements, for a 



DRESS. 19 

sufficient supply of heat. If you are chilled 
when riding, get out and walk; if you are 
chilly while walking, quicken your pace and 
your breath. Run, if it is necessary; don't 
submit to be cold. 

Do not wear at night any undergarments 
worn during the day. 

The proper place to garter the stockings is 
above the knee, where the muscles and cords 
are strong and in constant action. Garters 
below the knee injure by obstructing the cir- 
culation; while the stocking supporters now 
in vogue often press dangerously on the bowels, 
and tend to produce falling of the womb. 

Heels should not be more than half-an-inch 
high. These will secure comfort in walking, 
without danger of straining or deforming the 
foot. Very high, sloping heels, which throw 



20 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

the weight in the centre of the foot, where 
so many nerves connected with the spine 
unite, should never be worn. 

Too sweeping censures have been passed 
upon corsets. When they are properly made, 
and judiciously worn, I believe them to be 
not only harmless, but beneficial ; furnishing 
needful support and protection to certain del- 
icate organs. To do this, however, they must 
be made to fit the individual form, not bought 
in furnishing-stores. Many women buy what 
is called a handsome corset, and then fit them- 
selves into it by tight lacing. Harm ensues, 
and they, or their physicians, blame the corset ; 
they would better employ their time in learn- 
ing the difference between use and abuse. 

Corsets, to be healthful, should fit the figure 
perfectly and comfortably; they should be 
made long, coming well down over the spine 
and the abdomen ; no iron or steel should be 



DRESS. 21 

put in them, but only stiff whalebones ; finally, 
they should close completely in the back, not 
gap an inch or two, as is the usual custom. 
Such a corset will support, and at the same 
time protect from harmful pressure, either di- 
rectly or indirectly, the breasts, the waist, the 
abdomen, the bladder, the womb, and the 
rectum. 

I know whereof I speak, for I have worn 
corsets from childhood, and I possess to-day 
an amount of strength and vitality that few 
women can equal. I give treatment daily 
from morning until night, sometimes for two 
hours and a half, without any rest whatever ; 
my fund of reserve force seldom fails. Yet 
if I discard my corset, as I have sometimes 
done by way of experiment, I soon experience 
great weakness, followed, in time, by pain. 

Moreover, patients have come to me with 
curvatures of the spine, wearing heavy, tortur- 
ing supports of iron, — without which, however, 



22 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

they were unable to keep an erect position, — 
and I have adjusted a corset to them, which 
answered every purpose of the iron, without 
the weight or discomfort, which they have 
worn until cured. Finally, I have put suit- 
able corsets on to girls of fifteen or sixteen, 
who were suffering from general debility, — 
the muscles lax, the shoulders bent, the organs 
all more or less displaced or enfeebled, — and 
they have grown strong and muscular, with 
straight, handsome figures. 

Of course, there must be no tight lacing: 
undue compression of the body will produce 
a disorder somewhere. But there is no reason 
why corsets should be made tighter than 
dresses ; while they can be made to afford 
more support. 



V. 

EVERYDAY ILLS AND REMEDIES. 

If you suffer with cold feet, do not use hot 
outward applications, or resort constantly to 
the register, but rub the feet briskly on the 
carpet, or on a blanket, till the circulation is 
brought down to the extremities. 

To prevent cold feet, wash them every night 
in cold water, with plenty of salt in it. 

For dyspepsia, keep chamomile tea on hand, 
and take a teaspoonful half an hour before and 
after each meal, and on retiring at night. 
Also take more outdoor exercise, and eat less, 
than usual. 

For irritation of the nerves, and sleepless- 
ness, take a cup of strong hop tea before 



24 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

retiring. It will tranquilize the nerves, and 
induce refreshing sleep, without being followed 
by any painful or depressing effect in the 
morning. 

For difficulty of breathing, a feeling of dry- 
ness of the lungs, and other asthmatic symp- 
toms, mix a tablespoonful of anise-seed with 
two tablespoonfuls of honey, and a pint of 
cold milk, and take four tablespoonfuls daily. 
It will give elasticity to the lungs. 

Pain, oppression in breathing, palpitation, 
and other apparent symptoms of heart disease, 
often arise from irregularities of the spleen, 
which produce unequal circulation of the 
blood. Manipulation should be employed in 
such manner as to assist the spleen (the office 
of which seems to be much like that of a 
sieve) in discharging the blood which has been 
returned to it, after circulating through, and 



E VER YD A Y ILLS AND REMEDIES. 25 

nourishing, the body. This must be done, of 
course, by one who understands the science 
of manipulation, as well as the theory of the 
circulation of the blood. 

A torpid liver is a fruitful source of evil. 
It causes contraction of the muscles of the 
stomach, irritates the spleen, and frequently 
results in Bright's disease, weakness of the 
bladder, or contraction of the rectum. The 
latter, by the way, is one of the most common 
of disorders, though least known ; it is re- 
sponsible for much of the pain, pressures and 
weakness, variously located in the spine, the 
ovaries, or at the base of the brain, which is 
so often complained of, but unaccounted 
fon-^-sometimes it even occasions symptoms 
of insanity. 

The liver being the head and front of all 
this offending, the main thing is to restore 
healthful action to that organ. Nothing will 



26 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN, 

do this so quickly and safely as plenty of out- 
door air and exercise. Walk regularly and 
perseveringly, and do not indulge in much 
carriage riding. Skilful manipulation will 
also be very helpful. 

The contraction of the rectum will be 
much relieved by using an injection, made by 
steeping four large poppy heads, and a tum- 
blerful of bran, in two quarts of water. Use 
cold. This is also good for Piles. 

Neuralgia has been well said to be les-s a 
disease than a want of health. It is the re- 
sult of thin, impoverished blood ; impoverished 
either through lack of sufficiently nourishing, 
warming food, or because the respiratory or 
circulatory organs are not doing their full duty. 
A radical cure can be effected only by 
enriching the blood, and generally building up 
the system. Spend more time in the open air, 
take more exercise, (gentle and gradual, if it 



E VER YD A Y ILLS AND REMEDIES. 27 

be necessary), and thereby increase the appe- 
tite for nourishing food, of which eat as much 
as possible. Also, as an excellent blood- 
strengthener, make use of the following 
preparation : 

To two quarts of water, add a tumblerful 
of malt, two tablespoonfuls of hops, and one 
tablespoonful of saffron. Boil until the malt 
is soft. Take half a tumblerful three times 
a day, or even oftener, — it will do no 
harm. 

When the neuralgic pain is in the head, 
temporary relief may sometimes be obtained 
by rubbing lemon-juice well into the pores of 
the skin, both at back of the head, where 
centre the nerves from the spine, and back of 
the ears. This nourishes and tranquilizes 
the nerves. 

For neuralgia in the stomach or abdomen, 
boil a tablespoonful of poppy seeds in a pint 
of milk, and take a teaspoonful of the decoc- 



28 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

tion, hot, repeating the dose every fifteen 
minutes until relieved. 

Manipulation, appropriately applied, will 
be found very serviceable. 

Leucorrhea, (or Whites), is a too common 
weakness, usually occasioned by anxiety and 
overwork. The white discharge comes from 
the spine, the yellow from the womb. Salt 
bathing is very beneficial, — sea bathing, where 
it can be had, — otherwise add a pint of rock 
salt, and half a pint of saltpetre to the daily 
cold bath. 

Also, pound raw egg shells to a fine powder, 
and take a teaspoonful in milk three times a 
day, to strengthen the spine and womb. 

Also, use an injection of cold hop tea, with 
a little alum added. 

Consumption of the bowels, or what is com- 
monly known by that name, frequently results 



E VER YD A Y ILLS AND REMEDIES. 29 

from the use of too powerful medicines, which 
has injured the lining of the intestines. It 
manifests itself by gnawing pains in the bowels, 
and slimy, offensive discharges. Dissolve one 
ounce of Gum Arabic in half a pint of hot 
claret wine, and take one tablespoonful every 
half-hour until a sensation of relief is expe- 
rienced. The Gum Arabic has a most healing 
and restorative effect on the injured membra- 
nous tissues. 

For Common Sore Throat, take equal parts 
of hops and chamomile flowers, heat hot, 
(without wetting them), sprinkle slightly with 
cayenne pepper, and bind around the throat. 



PART II. 

MATERNITY. 



I. 

BEFORE CONFINEMENT. 

During pregnancy, women should be more 
than usually solicitous to keep themselves in 
sound health, inasmuch as not only their own 
well-being, but that of their offspring, is now 
involved. Especially, since the mother's state 
of mind, at this time, is tolerably certain to be 
reflected in the child's temperament, should she 
take care to keep herself calm, cheerful, hope- 
ful ; not filled with terror of the " evil to come," 
but rather taking it for granted that — child- 
bearing being a normal, universal function of 



BEFORE CONFINEMENT. 31 

woman — she may reasonably expect a safe and 
comfortable deliverance. So doing, she may 
also reasonably expect to have a quiet, happy, 
cooing baby, instead of a nervous, peevish, 
crying one. If, furthermore, she wishes the 
coming man or woman to be of that healthy, 
symmetrical, well-balanced type which is de- 
scribed as " a sound mind in a sound body," 
let her keep her intellectual as well as physical 
faculties in a state of healthy activity, yet 
carefully avoiding any temptation to overwork. 
Let her read the best books, see the best pic- 
tures, converse with the best people, pursue 
the most elevating studies, that come in her 
way ; — in short, lead the broadest, freest, most 
rational life possible. Especially, let her 
determine that she will not be " careful and 
troubled about many things " — probably very 
small things at that, things not to be put for 
one moment into competition with her own and 
her child's welfare. Let her shirk her cares 



32 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

rather than be burdened by them ; a little 
temporary confusion in the household is but 
a small price to pay for an easy confinement 
and a rapid recovery. 

Exercise should be taken as usual, but 
with greater watchfulness against over-fatigue. 
Jumping, Tailing, lifting, stooping over, running 
up and down stairs, (go slowly, if you must 
go), reaching far off or high up, standing long 
with the arms elevated over the head, — in 
short, whatever tends to jar or strain any part 
of the body, should be carefully avoided. 

During the first three months of pregnancy, 
much good may be done, and much suffering 
prevented, by appropriate manipulation. It 
will strengthen the organs for their extra work, 
and help to keep the blood in healthy circula- 
tion. During the eighth month, be manipu- 
lated over the spine and ovaries. 



BEFORE CONFINEMENT. 


33 


Instead of the cold bath, (if 


that is 


the 


habit), take a lukewarm bath of salt water 


every night, during pregnancy. 






Heavy shoes, and heavy skirts, 


and all 


un- 


comfortably weighty clothing, should be dis- 


carded during pregnancy. 






Wear a long, easy corset, to 


support 


the 


back and ovaries, but take care 


to avoid 


all 


compression of the body. Give 


it plenty of 


room to expand naturally. 






2* 







II. 

AFTERWARD. 

The day after confinement, take physic, 
(castor oil is the best) : — it is very important 
that the system should be kept clear, and the 
circulation free, at this time. There will be 
less danger of too great an accumulation of 
milk, and consequent trouble in the head or 
the breasts. 

Be very particular to have an evacuation 
every day. 

After confinement, strengthen the relaxed 
muscles by bathing the lower part of the body, 
for several days, in a decoction of chamomile 
flowers and oatmeal. 

If the child is to be nursed bv the mother. 



^ 

AFTERWARD. 35 

let her begin from six to ten hours after its 
birth, according to her strength. If she be 
very much prostrated, it may be necessary to 
wait still longer : — in that case, of course, the 
child must be fed by some other means, until 
she is able to fulfil the office. If she is not to 
nurse the child, care must betaken to relieve 
the breasts of the inflowing milk before trouble 
ensues from an accumulation thereof. 

If, after beginning to nurse, it is thought 
better for her to stop, rub the breasts well, and 
also under the arms, with unsalted melted 
butter or camphorated oil, and keep them 
covered with cotton batting. There is danger 
of taking cold in them, unless they are kept 
warm. 

Let oatmeal gruel be the steady diet for the 
two first days after confinement ; or supple- 
ment it only with bread and toast. After the 
second day, a choice may be given between 



36 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

chicken broth, and boiled fish with melted 
butter. After the fourth day, boiled or broiled 
beef may be added to the bill of fare, but do 
not eat anything baked or fried. 

After the ninth day, if comparatively well, 
eat as usual, if not nursing. 

If nursing, eat no vegetables for three weeks ; 
they give the baby pain. 

If there is much debility after leaving your 
bed, use manipulation to strengthen the ner- 
vous system. It will act like a charm in most 
cases. 

To support the body after confinement, and 
to ensure a complete return to a fine figure, 
fasten a bandage half a yard wide, and two 
and a half yards long, as tightly around the 
bowels as it can be comfortably borne. Tighten 
it a little every morning until the form resumes 
its proper proportions. 



AFTERWARD. 37 

Walk as soon as possible, but take care not 
to exercise too much at first. If it is summer, 
and you live in town, drive into the country, 
and take a stroll on the warm, fresh earth ; it 
will invigorate you as nothing else will do. 
Pavements are injurious to very weak persons. 

Resume your daily cold bath as soon as it 
is consistent with prudence. Do it, of course, 
by degrees. 



PART III. 

CARE OF CHILDREN, 



I. 

INFANTS. 

Immediately after birth, an infant should 
be bathed in lukewarm water, to which may 
be added a little salt ; — the bathing to be 
done gently and thoroughly, but as rapidly as 
possible, to prevent chill. 

If the child be very feeble, bathe in thin 
oatmeal gruel, instead of water ; the gruel to 
be made of equal parts of water and fresh 
milk, and well salted. (The water only should 
be heated.) Continue the gruel baths as long 
as the feebleness continues ; it may be for 
two or three weeks. 



INFANTS. 39 

Let the bath, whether of water or gruel, be 
made a little cooler from day to day, until it 
becomes cold. 

Always repeat the bath at night ; a bath 
morning and evening is imperative in the 
building up of a strong, healthy constitu- 
tion. 

The navel is next to be cared for. Moisten 
a piece of soft linen in sweet oil, lay it 
gently on the navel, and keep it in place by a 
bandage five or six inches wide, pinned quite 
tightly around the child's body. 

As soon as the umbilical cord comes off, 
which will be in the course of two or three 
days, split a raisin in two, remove the seeds, 
apply the soft side to the navel, and fasten on 
with a bandage as before. Change the raisin 
every evening. 

If the navel swells and protrudes, either be- 
fore or after the falling off of the umbilical 



40 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

cord, take a piece of linen about half-a-yard 
square, fold it into a compress of not more 
than an inch-and-a-half square, lay it on the 
navel and bind on tightly. If the raisin above- 
mentioned is in use, the compress should be 
laid over it. 

Keep the bowels closely bound until the 
navel is healed. 

Observe these directions carefully, and the 
child will have a strong, well-shaped abdomen ; 
neglect may result in unnatural protrusion of 
the navel, rupture, inflammation of the bowels, 
etc. 

If a wet nurse is employed, let her, as soon 
as she enters upon her duties, take a teaspoon- 
ful of powdered Turkish rhubarb, to act upon 
the child's bowels ; which it will do quite as 
effectually, and much more safely, than if 
administered by the mouth. This physic 
should be repeated twice, at intervals of three 



INFANTS. 41 

days ; after that, once a month as long as the 
child continues to nurse. 

Never give the child physic directly. 

The nurse should always be examined, and 
her milk analyzed, by a competent physician. 
Neglect of this precaution is often the occasion 
of great weakness and suffering to the child. 

If artificial food is required any time during 
the first eight days, let it be made of equal 
parts of milk and warm water, adding a table- 
spoonful of sugar to the pint. After that time, 
use oatmeal gruel, made as follows : Stir two 
tablespoonfuls of oatmeal into half a pint of 
water ; boil well ; strain ; when cool, add 
sugar, and half a pint of fresh milk. (If it 
is desired to make it still more strengthening, 
stir in a well-beaten egg.) This is a most 
nourishing and fattening food for babies. It 
can be taken from the nursing bottle. 



42 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

Panada, made by mixing together bread, 
water, sugar, and a very little butter, may also 
be used. The bread should be made from 
hop yeast. Crackers, and anything contain- 
ing soda, should be avoided. 

Any food of which boiled milk is a part, 
will produce constipation. It may sometimes 
be used to advantage in diarrhea. 

During teething, the bowels should be regu- 
larly and thoroughly evacuated ; there will be 
less danger of convulsions. 

To allay the irritation of the gums, let the 
child bite on a crust of bread. 

When the child suffers very much, there is 
danger of convulsions. To prevent these, as 
well as to stop them if they supervene, make 
a tea, by steeping one tablespoonful each of 
catnip, tansy, and saffron, in a pint of water, 
and let the child drink freely of it, at short 
intervals, until it is relieved. 



INFANTS. 43 

For Diarrhea, in babies, give ten drops of 
paregoric in boiled milk ; and repeat the dose 
after every two or three discharges, until a 
cure is effected. This may be given to chil- 
dren one month old and upwards; at two 
months, give fifteen drops ; and increase in 
about the same ratio for older children. 

When a child screams and writhes as if in 
severe pain, for which no adequate cause can 
be found, most likely it has Colic. It may be 
relieved by saturating a little cotton with 
brandy or whisky (brandy preferred), care- 
fully opening the navel, and inserting the cot- 
ton therein. This can be easily done during 
infancy. 

The effect will be the same as if the liquor 
were swallowed ; in a few moments it can be 
detected in the child's breath. Never give 
infants any ardent spirits in the mouth. 



44 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

The very general practice of carrying chil- 
dren on one arm mainly should be avoided ; 
it is a fruitful source of curvature of the spine. 
Carry the child on one arm as much as on the 
other. 

Never jump or trot a baby on the knee ; 
the jarring is injurious, and aggravates the 
trouble it is meant to soothe. If the child is 
uneasy, turn it on its side, arrange it comfort- 
ably, but without a pillow, and let it lie 
perfectly quiet. This position expands and 
strengthens the lungs, while quiet and rest act 
as beneficially on weariness and irritation in 
infants as in adults. 

Take care not to allow the child to stand 
too soon. If it is fleshy, it is time enough for 
it to try its strength when it is from nine to 
twelve months old. Then put a mattress or 
a thick blanket on the floor, and allow the 



INFANTS. 45 

little one to creep on it, and to try to raise it- 
self. Keep it as little in arms as possible. 

A certain amount of exercise is necessary 
for infants, after the first few weeks. This 
may be given them by tossing them lightly in 
arms, rolling and tumbling them about on the 
bed, and otherwise frolicking with them in such 
a manner as to bring all parts of the body into 
play. Let this be done daily, for about an 
hour; and also, by way of insuring sound 
sleep, for a half-hour before putting them to 
bed at night. A little fatigue is one of the 
best of soporifics. 

Do not bundle up children too much, nor 
be always in terror of draughts; but early 
accustom them to the fresh air and life-giving 
sunshine. Without these, no child can grow 
fair and strong. 



46 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

At one year of age, a child may begin to 
eat all kinds of vegetable food, except beets, 
cucumbers, peas, and cabbage. Baked pota- 
toes contain a great amount of nutriment, and 
with due allowance of salt and butter, are a 
very palatable dish. 

Oatmeal-and-milk should always be a staple 
article of diet ; it is good both for body and 
brain ; it makes bone, blood, and muscle. 

Beef, well cooked, is indispensable. Begin by 
giving the child a bone to suck ; then a little 
of the meat cut very fine; until it has learned 
to masticate for itself, and its stomach has be- 
come gradually accustomed to solid food. 

Give it very few sweets ; and never allow 
tea or coffee ; — good, rich milk and pure wa- 
ter are the only safe, healthful drinks for 
children, the only ones likely to build up a 
sound, vigorous constitution. 

From two years of age upward, give a child 



INFANTS. 47 

one half-teaspoonful of powdered Turkish 
rhubarb root once a month, to keep the liver 
active, and the bowels free from slime and 
other impurities. Where this is regularly 
done, the child will be much less liable to 
take measles, scarlet fever, and other children's 
diseases which may be prevalent. A healthy 
child ought never to have these things. 

As a simple but efficient remedy for Croup, 
cut a strip of raw beef about two inches wide 
and an inch thick, heat it hot by holding it to 
the fire (taking care not to cook it), bind it 
around the throat and extend it down over 
the upper part of the chest, by means of 
another piece three or four inches square. 
(Where it can be had, the warm lung of a 
newly killed beef is still better.) Some little 
time after applying the beef, dip a camel's 
hair pencil (a quill feather will answer if the 
pencil is not at hand) into lemon-juice and 



48 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

apply it to the tonsils, palate and lining of the 
throat, as far down as can be reached. Also 
let the child swallow a little mixed with sweet 
oil, if possible. 

Croup is caused by swelling of the mem- 
branes of the throat, and contraction of the 
windpipe, to such a degree as to hinder the 
air from entering the lungs. The hot beef 
will soften the swelling and reduce the con- 
traction, while the lemon juice will remove 
the accumulated slime, and, with the oil, help 
to restore a natural condition. 

The same treatment is excellent for Diph- 
theria. Also, inject into the ears milk in 
which chamomile flowers have been boiled. 
Use it lukewarm. 

For Worms, give a teaspoonful of worm- 
wood in two tablespoonfuls of molasses. 



II. 

FROM SIX TO SIXTEEN. 

Simplicity and regularity of life are the 
necessary constituents of a healthy childhood, 
the only firm foundation stone upon which a 
satisfactory superstructure can be reared. As 
a rule, American parents forget this truth. At 
the very time when the " curled darling " of the 
British or Continental aristocracy is made to 
lead a quiet, simple, regular life in the nursery 
and schoolroom, — dining early on two or three 
plain dishes, walking and exercising several 
hours daily in the open air, and retiring at 
nine o'clock, — the American child is indulged 
in late hours, late suppers, indigestible food, 
and exciting amusements, and secluded from 
the fresh air, in utter disregard of every law 
of health. The consequence is seen in pale, 
3 



50 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

nervous, sickly, irritable children; who can- 
not do otherwise than grow up into pale, ner- 
vous, sickly, overworked, and early worn-out 
adults. I shall be glad if these " Hints " do any- 
thing, however little, towards correcting the 
evil. 

For obvious reasons, my remarks will apply 
mainly to girls. Boys early take the matter of 
exercise, at least, into their own hands ; and 
sooner cease to be objects of motherly anxiety, 
as regards their physical training. 

At six years of age, children may be allowed 
almost all kinds of food, if plainly cooked and 
judiciously proportioned. Pork is generally to 
be avoided. So are gravies, pastries, rich 
puddings and preserves, and pickles Ripe 
fruit is always excellent, if not eaten in excess. 
Tea and coffee should be withheld until the 
system is fully developed ; milk should be used 
instead. 



FROM SIX TO SIXTEEN. 51 

Eating between meals should not be al- 
lowed ; the stomach requires rest after work, 
like everything else. 

Late suppers to be forbidden, of course ; 
and nothing to be eaten just before going to 
bed. 

Until sixteen years of age, children should 
retire at nine o'clock. They should not attend 
evening parties, nor be subjected to any simi- 
larly unhealthful excitement. 

I have insisted upon exercise, as indispen- 
sable to sound health ; yet much injury is done 
to girls by so-called health exercises. Jumping 
rope, skating, and gymnasiums, the methods 
and movements of which have not been exam- 
ined and recommended by a competent phy- 
sician, may be set down generally as doing 
more harm than good. During my practice, I 
have had numerous cases of weakness, contrac- 



52 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

tions, and rupture, caused by these exercises 
alone. Walking is always to be recommend- 
ed, except where there is some special weak- 
ness or lameness to interfere ; and there are 
many indoor and outdoor games wherein exer- 
cise and amusement are admirably combined. 

Children should be carefully taught to sit 
upright, and not allowed to lean over desks, 
or sit in bent, cramped positions at their 
books or work ; for these things narrow the 
chest, and predispose to lung disease. 

Also, spend a few moments every day in 
teaching them the art of perfect breathing, by 
expanding the chest fully, and making the 
inspirations long and deep as possible. The 
time will not only be well spent, it will be an 
actual saving in the end, inasmuch as what- 
ever tends to make a child healthy, relieves 
the mother of many an anxious hour's watch 
by a sick-bed. 



FROM SIX TO SIXTEEN. 53 

Let the clothing be loose enough to allow 
freedom of action to all the limbs and muscles. 
Take care to ha ye it sufficiently warm in win- 
ter ; no matter what the fashion may be, dis- 
countenance bare legs, and thin skirts and 
stockings. 

Insist that the shoes shall be flat-soled, or 
nearly so, in order that your children may not 
be troubled with corns and bunions all their 
lives ; it will be their own fault if they choose 
to run the risk of them later. 

From six years of age upwards, it is well for 
girls to wear a simple, easy corset, — not to lace 
the figure, but to keep it upright, and support 
the developing organs. It should be made 
without steels ; substitute two whalebones in 
the back, and one in the front, — said bones to 
be an inch and a half wide, and quite stiff. 

To train the hair properly, keep it cut short 
until nine years old. 



54 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

Continue the daily cold bath, using warm 
water about once a month, by way of cleans- 
ing the skin more thoroughly. 

If a child has Chills, it is frequently caused 
by impoverishment of the blood. Fewer dain- 
ties, and more nourishing food should be 
given ; also, administer half-a-teacupful of hot 
elderberry wine for three or four nights, upon 
retiring. 

If there are symptoms of Fever, — dry, hot 
flesh and quickened pulse, — give milk to 
drink, but little to eat. Also, give a teaspoon- 
ful of powdered Rhubarb, mixed with twice the 
quantity of sugar, and a little water. If the 
child is under twelve, give half a teaspoonful 
only of the rhubarb. 

Girls approaching womanhood — that is to 
say, from twelve to sixteen years old — should 



FROM SIX TO SIXTEEN. 55 

be carefully watched. Over-fatigue, either of 
body or brain, should be sedulously guarded 
against ; so also should all nervous excitement. 
Food, exercise, study, and amusement, should 
all be wisely regulated in such a manner as to 
afford the most assistance, and do the least 
harm, to the rapidly developing system. The 
food should be of the most nourishing, 
strengthening kind, but not stimulating. The 
exercise should be regular, without being 
violent. Teachers should be requested not 
to exact too much in the way of study, at 
certain times, nor to permit the pupil to sit 
too long at the desk, or in any one position. 
The amusements should be simple and joyous, 
leaving, so to speak, a good taste behind ; not 
so artificial and exciting as to be followed by 
a depressing reaction. Finally, the reasons 
why such and such precautions, and such a 
regimen, are necessary, should be calmly and 
seriously stated to the child ; false modesty in 



56 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

this direction is the parent of numerous evils. 
Give girls to understand in time the peculiari- 
ties and necessities of their sex ; to be fore- 
warned is to be forearmed. 

As soon as girls are twelve years of age, 
(those, at least, who show any signs of matur- 
ing), give them, every other night, on going to 
bed, a teacupful of catnip tea, adding a half- 
teaspoonful of saffron. It will render needed 
assistance to the system. At the same time, 
rub the back and hips well, but avoiding pres- 
sure on the ovaries. This will produce health- 
ful action of the spleen. Also, rub the bottom 
of the feet, to assist the circulation. 

If girls show symptoms of nervous irritation, 
during the monthly period, mix one half-ounce 
of pulverized peruvian bark with a bottle of 
wine, and give a wineglassful, with a raw egg, 
every forenoon. 



FROM SIX TO SIXTEEN, 57 

During menstruation, it is best not to lie 
down and give up to a feeling of languor or 
discomfort, however strong the inclination to 
do so. Gentle exercise will greatly assist the 
discharge, and also strengthen the organs. 
The discharge should not continue over three 
days : after that time, regulate it by taking the 
following : 

Mix two tablespoonfuls of ground cinna- 
mon with a pint of water ; add two table- 
spoonfuls of lemon juice and the outer rind 
of the lemon : drink the pint in a day : it will 
prove an efficient and pleasant regulator. 

If there is much pain attending menstrua- 
tion, use a hot sitz bath, — hop tea is better 
than water alone. The pain is caused by 
nervous contraction of4he organs, and the 
bath will relax them in from ten to fifteen 
minutes. Immediately after the bath, lie down 
for two or three hours. 



58 HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

If the pain is constant and severe, manipu- 
lation is most serviceable. It must be done, 
however, by a person skilled in the art, as 
well as thoroughly acquainted with anatomy. 



PART IV. 

MANIPULATION, 



i. 

ITS NATURE. 

In the course of these " Hints," I have 
spoken of Manipulation as a safe and effect- 
ual remedial agent, in certain cases. I mean 
by this term, Treatment with the hands, 
according to the methods and movements of 
the Danish cure. This Cure is not an em- 
piricism; it is based on the profoundest 
anatomical knowledge, and applied on scien- 
tific principles. It has been for some time in 
use at the Langaard Institute at Copenhagen ; 
and it is daily proved so gentle, natural, and 
3* 



6o HEALTH HINTS TO WOMEN. 

efficient, that it cannot but be held in high 
estimation wherever it is known. 

Under this treatment, muscles which lie 
flat and powerless raise themselves and resume 
their functions. Contortions give way, and 
the proper position and action return. En- 
feebled, irritable nerves grow strong. Bright's 
Disease, Rupture, Curvature of the Spine, 
Hunchback, St. Vitus's Dance, Paralysis, 
Dropsy, and Soft Tumors, have all yielded to 
its gentle, persistent influence. It succeeds 
where medicines fail. It strengthens more 
surely than any tonic. The feeble patient's 
exercise is, so to speak, done for her; she 
gets the benefit of movement without the 
fatigue ; her muscles are made to act, and her 
blood to circulate freely, without any expen- 
diture of her own nervous force. This 
treatment is very beneficial, therefore, to pa- 
tients confined within doors — perhaps to one 
room and one position — by weaknesses of the 



ITS NATURE. 61 

spine, womb, etc., and unable to take needful 
exercise. It is equally efficacious in nervous 
diseases; it imparts electricity without the 
unpleasant shock of the battery ; it soothes 
while it invigorates. It often works wonders 
in cases of paralysis. 



II. 

ITS APPLICATION. 

Of course, this treatment must be applied 
by a person thoroughly skilled in anatomy; 
who knows the function of every organ in 
the body; whose sensitive fingers can. fol- 
low the lines of every cord, muscle, and bone, 
and detect any abnormal condition ; and who, 
furthermore, knows what must be done to 
correct displacements and restore healthful 
action. I hope to be able to train up a corps 
of intelligent, energetic women for this work 
among their own sex. It has long been the 
desire of my heart to found in New York 
City an institution similar to the Langaard 
Institute aforementioned. To this end, I 
have taken the house, No. $8, East Nine- 
teenth Street, for the reception and cure of 



ITS APPLICA TION. 63 

patients suffering from any kind of weakness 
or deformity, to each one of which it will be 
my pleasure to give my careful, personal 
attention. At the same place, I will receive 
a limited number of young ladies, to be 
thoroughly instructed in Anatomy and Manip- 
ulation, and their relation to the cure of 
disease. 

I also invite inspection from all persons 
desirous of witnessing the methods and the 
successes of my Danish Cure. 

WILHELMINE SCHOTT. 



*r.« 





